EVERTON have found an unlikely ally in their bid to settle homesick Danish star Thomas Gravesen.

The player's international boss, Morten Olsen, has warned that anybody unsettled at their club after February 1 will not be considered for the World Cup.

Gravesen made a number of press statements last year suggesting he wanted a move from Goodison.

But his national coach's ultimatum could convince him to knuckle down for the rest of the season.

Olsen said: "February 1st is the cut off point and, after that, I will not consider any players experiencing uncertainty with their clubs."

Gravesen has expressed his desire to move closer to his Danish homeland.

But the size of the Blues' squad means they cannot afford to lose any more personnel until reinforcements have been added.

The Dane is unlikely to be fit for the weekend's home visit of Sunderland, still suffering from an ankle injury.

Walter Smith, meanwhile, is waiting to discover how much cash the recently announced refinancing package will make available to him.

Reports suggest his transfer kitty could be bolstered by #6m, but it will be several weeks before those funds are made available.

First Division Crystal Palace are reported to be poised to make a #3m bid for Niclas Alexandersson.

Again, Everton's lack of depth to their squad will prevent his departure.

Leyton Orient boss Paul Brush, meanwhile, has spoken of his relish at the fourth round FA Cup draw which takes his Division Three side to Goodison Park. The tie was Orient's reward for beating first division Portsmouth.

Brush, who was in the West Ham United team which defeated Everton in a 1980 FA Cup semi-final replay, said: "That was the biggest game of my career and I have some nice memories of winning against Everton that day.

"It would be greedy to say we would have preferred them at home, because I don't have too many good memories of winning at Goodison Park.

"But it will be a big occasion and great experience for our youngsters - and if we play above ourselves as we did against Portsmouth then anything's possible."